Leaders, Lead, Not Mislead!

Today I want to visit the idea that has been promoted by religious leaders of the American-African community whereby ancestors of slaves are due entitlements they label reparations. It's not uncommon for the likes of Al Sharpton, Louis Farrakhon, Jesse Jackson, or other radical liberal theologians to preach a victim mentality from the pulpit to eager followers awaiting the Word of God. This perversion of the Gospel by fallen leaders instills a resentment though out the congregation. Let's look at how the Bible tells us how to handle this.....

Deuteronomy 24:16

Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. (Please note this also highlights personal responsibility for salvation).

Backed up by Kings 14:6

But the sons of the slayers he did not put to death, according to what is written in the book of the Law of Moses, as the LORD commanded, saying, "The fathers shall not be put to death for the sons, nor the sons be put to death for the fathers; but each shall be put to death for his own sin."

Then we have Chronicles 25:4

However, he did not put their children to death, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, which the LORD commanded, saying, "Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin."

Reinforced with Jeremiah 31:30

But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge.

And finally Ezekiel 18:20

"The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

So first question...How can a responsible leader stand before his followers and insinuate a message directly contrary to the Bible he's referring from?

The American slave suffered indignities, it was wrong to buy, sell, and trade human life. Which leads me to the next question....

How does this further the advancement of the American-African community?

We all live in trying times. It's difficult enough to maintain a positive attitude daily so you can live a productive life, without interjecting a victim mentality. Does it do anyone good to hand anyone an excuse for bad behavior?

Every race has been subject to the ugliness of slavery. The Egyptians had the Jews, The Romans had the Christians, the Nobles had the Serfs, the Spanish had the entire country of Mexico, it goes on and on. The key to success and the advancement of your race is to quit driving around looking in the rearview mirror. Not to live in the past and harbor resentment. It's our responsibility to honor our Creator by being personally responsible for our actions, and doing our very best to give forth our best effort. Being the most productive you, you can be, and following the Golden Rule, is the answer no matter what Deity you worship.

God Bless!
Capt. Bill